What’s Conhost.exe in Windows? What Does it Do?
Conhost.exe is a vital component in Microsoft Windows operating system that has remained a mystery for many computer users. It is often mistaken as a malicious program, but in reality, it is a necessary system process that performs various important functions. Conhost.exe, also known as Console Window Host, is a Windows operating system file that supports the keyboard and mouse inputs in Command Prompt (CMD) and Windows PowerShell.
When you open the CMD or PowerShell terminal, the Conhost.exe process starts running in the background that supports the graphical user interface (GUI) of the command prompt window. It helps to lock the window to the screen edges, tracking cursor movements, and enabling cut, copy, and paste functions. It is responsible for the smooth flow of data between the user and the operating system.
Moreover, Conhost.exe acts as a security layer between the system and malware or vulnerabilities that exploit the command-line interface. It monitors the CMD or PowerShell windows and ensures that they run in a protected environment. In case of any attempts to bypass or exploit the system through command prompt, Conhost.exe immediately takes action to prevent the attack.
Conhost.exe is an essential component of the Windows operating system, and its absence may result in malfunctioning of CMD or PowerShell. However, sometimes, it can cause high CPU usage, which may slow down the system’s performance. It usually happens when the Conhost.exe process is unable to handle the user’s input, leading to high CPU usage on computers with lower processing power.
To conclude, Conhost.exe is a useful and necessary operating system process that helps to support the CMD and PowerShell terminal in Windows. It provides several essential functions, including supporting the GUI, data flow between the user and operating system, and security protection. Though it may sometimes cause high CPU load, it should not be disabled or removed as it ensures the smooth operation of command-line interface in Window’s operating system.